What the Dickens.................?

Great expectations

I thoroughly enjoyed watching the TV adaptation of Great Expectations.  I have a personal passion for any type of period drama.  I love the way every character ignites some kind of emotion, no matter what social standing they come from.  Great expectations shows a great variation of character throughout the anecdote and your left guessing about the revelations that are about to explode for the duration of the story.  I feel this book has some great underlying story lines that will give an interesting basis to work on the characters. 

The Victorian era

Queen Victoria

The Victorian era of British history was the period of Queen Victoria's reign from 20 June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901. It was the longest reign of a Queen, a time of peace and accomplishment for most of Britain. Throughout the latter stages of the 1800's Britain went onto to become one of, if not the largest empire in the world. By the time the late Queen was coming towards the end of her reign, Britain was responsible for at least one fifth of the world. 

Industrial revolution

The Industrial Revolution began in England in the middle of the 18th century and spread to the rest of Europe and the United States in the early 19th century. This era made a phenomenal change to the way people lived.  A lot of people began to move from areas in the countryside to more urban areas.  New machines were starting to be mass produced and the workplace was thriving.

Industrial Spinning machines

Before the Industrial Revolution most people would spend their lives working in the farming industry and small workshops. The making of cloth was done using the hands and cotton was spun on the spinning wheel.  In the 1700s people began to buy more and more goods, so naturally people wanted to look for much quicker ways to make produce. The first spinning machine was made in the early 18th century and by 1780 spinning was done mostly in new factories where workers gathered.

Victorian fashion

Victorian fashion comprises the various fashions and trends in British culture that emerged and grew in province throughout the Victorian era and the reign of Victoria, a period which would last from June 1837 to January 1901. The 63 year reign saw many changes in fashion. There were changes in everything from architecture to clothing and literature.  Even down to the florid and visual arts.

I particularly love the fashions of this era.  More predominately the upper class dress .  I love the detail of the craftsmanship.  The layering was so feminine, yet structured, just oozing wealth, finesse and panache.